Accidentally put coolant in transmission fluid tank

CJINDRA

MEMBER
2008 NISSAN ALTIMA
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I accidentally put a small amount of coolant into the transmission fluid reservoir instead of into the coolant reservoir. Yes, I know giant rookie mistake. Can I still drive it or do I need to take it in to get the transmission completely flushed? Thank you!

2 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,464 POSTS

You need to get it flushed out before you even try to run it. Coolant will damage the parts inside the transmission. Even just starting it for a while will be enough to circulate it through the system. Being this is likely a CVT transmission makes it even worse as they have no real protection in them that can be easily changed. If you are very lucky a couple of fluid changes and a flush may remove it all. If it has not been started after it was added you may be much more fortunate as the coolant should settle to the bottom and not be circulated.

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Monday, May 24th, 2021 AT 6:03 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

This guide will help you change the fluid out. I have included the fluid type and capacity as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

HEV transaxle fluid 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.1 Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF (3)

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

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